Don’t save seeds? No problem. Use these containers to hold paper napkins or plastic utensils on the picnic table, or perhaps envelopes on your desk. How about the perfect unique gift for that gardener friend? Or win one for the kids! These holders are a great way to get the youngsters excited about gardening.

Already “like” us? Thanks! You’ll be automatically entered to win. When we reach 75 likes, one random winner will be drawn. At a 100, a second will be chosen. So enter early and increase your chances of winning.

Then, stay-tuned for more giveaways as well as gardening made easy — BloominThyme…your “cliff” notes to gardening!

Mama Nature is throwing us one last dose of chill! And while some don’t think it will dip into frost territory, we’re not taking any chances. We’ve been burned (think icy burn) before and will not be again.

Just look at these sweet little things. Would you take a chance with their survival? Didn’t think so. So after some discussion, we used this lightweight frost blanket to cover our beans, tomatoes and peppers. It’s not the only option. We could have “insulated” them with mulch, or thrown a bed sheet over top. Though whichever way you choose to attack this problem, the goal remains the same: protect their leaves from frost.

Our potatoes are growing well and quite robust and should be able to tolerate a “near dip” experience. Though just to be sure, we gathered some oak leaves to ensure a snuggly evening. Talk about perfect segue–our lesson this week was mulch!

What kind of mulch?

Natural of course, like leaves, bark, hay and would you believe newspaper?

Oh, yes. So long as you keep it from flying into your neighbor’s yard by trapping it somehow–we used hay–newspaper mulch is a great way to recycle. If you prefer the lovely look of all hay, then simply toss the paper out back like the old news that it is–and onto your compost pile!

If you don’t have one yet, you will soon. Composting is too easy and too efficient–even for those city dwellers we know. One afternoon surfing the net will prove you can compost indoors AND keep it clean. A must. We are tidy when at all possible.

Always wanted to start a garden but afraid you didn’t have enough time or know how? Well fret no more–you have enough of BOTH.

“Seriously?”

Seriously. Next week we begin our series “Ashley and Julie’s Garden — follow their progress!” These two have always wanted their own garden, but were reluctant to take that first step, concerned it would lead them down a road on a downhill slide. Not fun. So instead they politely reply, “I’d love to start a garden, if only I had the time.”

Typical, right? For many women these days, it is difficult to find the time. Between kids and work and husband and life–who has extra anything to wander through brilliantly layered rows of a vegetable garden–despite the desire pumping through their veins, the urge screaming for release…

Oh–wait. That’s the kids in the bathroom. Real life aside, these women yearn for the luxury of snipping fresh lettuce for their salad, clipping fresh beans to include on the dinner menu, pulling sweet carrots for the most delectable carrot muffins–and they can. Once they catch on to the secrets of simple garden management, they can enjoy the benefits of growing their own vegetables. Have kids? Believe it or not, they’ll relish the adventure and together you will experience more joy than you ever dreamed possible.

It’s the simple things. Make that easy-to-do-and-not interrupt-my-schedule things that add quality to our every day moments. So, if YOU have ever wanted to have your own garden but thought it utterly impossible, stay tuned: we’re going to change your mind!

Series begins Tuesday. Ashley will utilize a raised planter bed frame while Julie will opt for an in ground garden. Join us, won’t you?

Sure, I run the risk of one last freeze. Happens every year. Nearly. But maybe I’ll be spared this spring. After all, Mother Nature tortured me in December… Do you think she could be so cruel?

Nah, me neither. She’s an all right gal. So what if I don’t agree with her sense of humor, or her downright obstinate ways when it comes to wielding her power, but she has been good to me. Overall, I can’t complain. (Are you listening, Mrs. N? I’m the good one!)

So out the door these sproutlings went, straight into the garden. I started them early January and yes, I did have to drag them inside a few times and spot them a sweet place by the warm and blazing hearth. But just look how they’ve rewarded me. Aren’t they grand? Real beauties. My kids helped clear the row of hay and I tilled the section with ease.

Once you know the secrets of preparation this part is EASY. Then, I gingerly pulled each out and placed it into a hole amended with a mixture of my very own compost (AKA homemade dirt), epsom salt and eggshells. Brilliant. And the key to eliminating blossom-end rot. I hope. Formed a well around my babies and watered them in. Finito. Easy as tomato pie.

Mud pie. I meant mud pie. Last time I tried to make an authentic Italian tomato pie for my husband, things didn’t go very smoothly. Time-consuming, irritating… It was the crust that gave me issue. And my handy-dandy Cuisinart contraption that promised to do the hard mixing did nothing of the kind!

False advertising, if you ask me. But I digress–into the land of disappointment (where I do not care to dwell). My tomatoes are in! Who has time to weep?

I have a watering schedule to attend, fertilization needs to consider… And companions. Who shall I plant next door?

If you think I haven’t already arranged for that play over in my excel program, you’re kidding yourself. What else do you do during winter? Besides scour the seed magazines and drool over the gorgeous photos and plethora of produce.